When Mississippi lawmakers declined to come to an agreement in the best interests of their constituents, it sends a clear message: “Politics before people.” The Mississippi Senate Judiciary committee passed a bill that allows teachers and other public school officials to carry firearms on school campuses in the state of Mississippi.

Senators from this committee passed a vote of 7-4, they called this so-called bill the" Mississippi School Safety Act," and this comes days after the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Mississippi has the highest level of poverty in the entire country. Mississippi has a poverty rate of 22 percent and the lowest life expectancy of 74.5 years. Mississippi has the lowest median household income at $37,432. Mississippi finished last on Forbes’ magazine's list of “The Best States for Business and Careers.” The state ranks in the bottom three in both college and high school attainment rates.

Healthcare in Mississippi is inadequate. Mississippi hasn't experienced any significant health care reform in decades. More than a quarter of Mississippians don't have health care. Governor Phi Bryant opted out of the Medicaid expansion that was set in place for those Americans who previously didn't qualify for Medicaid because the expansion would grant coverage based on income alone.

Mississippi is facing multiple budget cuts that are shrinking the state workforce and taking much-needed revenue from schools and other institutions.

With Mississippi in the middle of an education crisis — Mississippi schools are consistently ranked last nationally in numerous education surveys — can the state really take a chance on allowing guns in schools or putting the burden of safety in the hand of educators?

We already spend far less than the national average per student. Mississippi spends an approximately $8,164 per student yearly, while the national average is $10,936.

The more funds that a school district has, the higher quality teachers they can afford, and the better books and teaching tools they can buy.

Other states have more revenue to fund their school districts because the residents in those states often have higher household earnings than Mississippians.

But in Mississippi, schools are forced to rely on federal dollars, the amount of which is determined by the adequate education funding formula — which lawmakers are refusing to fund fully.

According to a recent report by the Southern Poverty Law Center, “Mississippi has the third most hate groups in the country with five hate groups per million residents and 15 total hate groups operating within the state.” What if members of one those hate groups are one of the public school educators? What if they brought a gun into the school more freely now based on this new law?

Mississippi is the only state in America that officially flies the Confederate battle emblem in its state flag. Every other state has taken it down and renounced it. They've accepted it for what it is. This current legislative session, not one bill came out of committee to allow a vote on the Confederate flag in Mississippi, yet Mississippi lawmakers have allowed a bill to come out of committee that could endanger the lives of precious students and put undue stress on educators.

In a state that has such a torrid history when it comes to slavery, why would lawmakers seek to use every possible moment for progress to revert backward? One would think that lawmakers would be eager to run away from such a dark history, but it's just the opposite. It seems that lawmakers fully embrace it.

I want to challenge you the citizens to ask yourself a question. Did your lawmakers even contact you regarding your views on the issue of allowing educators to carry guns in public schools across Mississippi? I said it many times, but I don't mind repeating myself- it is time to mobilize now for the next state Senate and Congress elections across the state of Mississippi.

We have to start laying the groundwork for change in the state of Mississippi, and it starts with you and me.

I'm asking Mississippi elected officials to stop playing politics with issues that affect lives of our precious children. If Mississippi consistently ranks among the worst in the country, then we must do something drastic.

This is why it's becoming even more important that each Mississippian become involved in the political process. Demand your seat at the table.

When politicians use their power irresponsibly, then it's up to us to demand accountability. And if they will not hear you, then you must be prepared to use your vote to place someone in office that will sit down with you and listen to your needs.

The change starts with you.

Duvalier Malone, a Mississippi native, is a Washington, D.C.-based motivational speaker, political consultant and community activist.